New sand arrives onto Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, South Bethany and Fenwick Island beaches

Delaware Governor John Carney, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester said that steps are underway for beach nourishment projects in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District awarded a contract to Weeks Marine of Cranford, N.J. for $23.8 million to conduct periodic nourishment on three dune and beachfill projects along the Delaware coast.

The contract is a joint effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

The costs of the project will be shared by the federal government and the state of Delaware, and has been a priority of the Congressional delegation because it will help protect the homes, businesses and the economy on coastal Delaware.

“Delaware is the lowest-lying state in the country, and our coast is vulnerable to the effects of climate change,” said Governor Carney. 

“While we work to reduce those impacts, we also have to adapt to protect our residents, economy, and infrastructure, and beach replenishment is a big part of that effort. Beach replenishment, which is a partnership between the state and federal governments, is necessary to preserve tourism, one of our largest economic sectors, as well as to protect the safety of our communities and residents.”

The contract calls for dredging sand from offshore borrow sites. Sand is then pumped through a series of pipes, placed on beaches, and graded into an engineered dune and berm template, which is designed to reduce damages from coastal storm events.

The contract includes the following work:

• Rehoboth & Dewey Beaches: In Rehoboth Beach, sand will be placed on the beach in the northern portion of the community (between City Tennis Courts area on N. Surf Avenue south to the Bandstand Area). In Dewey Beach, sand will be placed on the beach between Salisbury Street south to the Beach Avenue area. Estimated sand quantity: Rehoboth Beach – 196,000 cubic yards; Dewey Beach – 194,000 cubic yards.

• Bethany & South Bethany Beaches: In Bethany Beach, sand will be placed from Third Street south to Wellington Park. In South Bethany Beach, sand will be placed from approximately North 5^th Street south to North end of Fenwick Island State Park. Estimated sand quantity: Bethany Beach – 245,000 cubic yards; South Bethany Beach – 287,000 cubic yards.

• Fenwick Island: In Fenwick Island, sand will be placed from approximately Kames Street south to Lighthouse Road.  Estimated sand quantity: Fenwick Beach – 207,000 cubic yards.